BeritaBali.com reports that Bali’s Interim Governor, S.M. Mahendra Jaya, has renamed the Bangli Psychiatric Hospital (Rumah Sakit Jiwa Provinsi Bali), henceforth be called the Rumah Sakit Jiwa Manah Shanti Mahottama (Manah Shanti Mahottama Mental Hospital). The rebranding was celebrated in a ceremony held at the mental health facility in Bangli on Tuesday, 24 December 2025.
Accompanied by the Provincial Secretary, Dewa Made Indra, the name change was marked by the Governor pressing a large button, symbolizing the moment of the identity change.
In comments made at the ceremony, Governor Mahendra Jaya emphasized the need to eliminate the negative stigma endured by people suffering from mental disorders, acknowledging that since 1995, the Rumah Sakit Jiwa Provinsi Bali in Bangli has been the Island’s center for the care of the mentally ill.
“Unfortunately, a negative stigma still attaches in society, including in the perception that the City of Bangli is synonymous with mental disorders. This hospital is here to serve all Balinese people without exception,” said Mahendra Jaya.
This name change, he continued, represents a strategic step to alter public perception. “This rebranding is expected to reduce negative stigmas and facilitate the development of more inclusive and professional mental health services,” he added.
The Director of the newly-named Rumah Sakit Jiwa Manah Shanti Mahottama, dr. Ni Wayan Murdani explained that the renaming of the hospital resulted from a lengthy process, including a review by a Focus Discussion Group involving government authorities and community leaders.
The Governor explained that the name Manah Shanti Mahottama has a special significance. Manah translates as “mind” or “soul.” Shanti means “peace” and “tranquility,” while Mahottama means “of primary importance.” In combination, the new mental health facility’s name celebrates a place of peaceful tranquility for the soul.
Dr. Murdani continued, commenting that the renaming of the Bangli hospital takes place in conjunction with concomitant steps to improve the quality of mental health care in Bali. “We are committed to continuously improving the quality of service and ensuring that every patient receives proper and humane treatment,” he said.
The renaming ceremony opened with prayers at the Tirta Ganapati Temple, which the Regent of Bangli and other government officials attended.
Under its new identity as Manah Shanti Mahottama Mental Hospital, it is targeted to become a superior and trusted mental health service provider, acknowledged in Bali and nationally.
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